evening gown


Two-piece evening gown of light blue silk taffeta with back lacing. There is silk tulle trim that adds decoration without adding weight. The skirt has double box pleats to distribute fullness and is made of lightweight silk taffeta. Drape is a reconstruction. Circumference: 150 inches

Once the evening dresses began to rival the width of the 18th century gowns, there was a fashion to copy the long points in both front and back of the bodice to look like the gowns from 75 to 100 years earlier. The natural waistline was maintained on the sides, and the bodice laced up the back with baby ribbon. Fabric was draped in swags in the style of Marie Antoinette. The idea of couture design was just beginning with Charles Worth in Paris, under the patronage of the Empress Eugenie. She encouraged the extensive use of French silk taffeta to stimulate the suffering French economy.


Provenance:
Wadsworth Atheneum Hartford, CT.

Construction Label:
NA



1951C 1859.3